KARACHI (Reuters)
Pakistan's controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has regained full fitness and was itching to take on New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming in September, he said on Friday. New Zealand open their Pakistan tour on September 19 with a one-day international and are also scheduled to play three Tests during October. "I have been lacking match practice for a long time now, but I am completely fit and there is nothing wrong with me," said the 26-year-old Shoaib, who is dubbed the Rawalpindi Express. "I will go after Fleming. To me he is their key man."

Shoaib, rated the fastest bowler during the 1999 World Cup, has been bidding to regain his place in the Pakistan team after suffering a host of injury and illness problems as well as controversy over his bowling action.

"It has not been easy for me. I needed some time out to myself," Shoaib told Reuters at the Pakistan training camp in Karachi. "Playing for Lashings (village) club in England in the last few weeks has made me more comfortable and relaxed and I will be trying to get back into the team," he added.

Shoaib's bowling action was questioned for a second time earlier this year during a one-dayer in New Zealand. He subsequently went through an intensive rehabilitation programme under the guidance of Australian great Dennis Lillee and bowling coach Daryl Foster, who describes Shoaib as a unique talent.

"I have unique physical characteristics that is all. I have not had to modify my bowling action," Shoaib said. He added he was not interested in breaking bowling speed records. "I love to bowl fast, I love the challenge of taking on the best batsmen, I will give my best for the team. But I don't go on the field trying to break any speed records. I don't have to prove myself to anyone I am the fastest bowler today. I have been the fastest whenever I have played," Shoaib said.

Shoaib said he was no rebel and was glad the PCB had stuck by him. "I am also grateful that the Board has kept so much faith in me and invested so much in me... it is because they see me as an asset to Pakistan cricket. And this coming season I aim to live up to everyone's expectations," he said.

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